Brenau University
Brenau University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Brenau University at a Glance
Brenau University is a private university in Gainesville, Georgia. Founded in 1878, the university enrolls more than 2,800 students from approximately 48 states and 17 foreign countries who seek degrees ranging from associate through doctoral degrees. The main campus of the Georgia-based institution includes the Brenau Women's College. Brenau also offers another location in Norcross, Georgia.
1878
148 years old
$66M
$66.4 million (2025)
3,500
133
Identity
Is Brenau University Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, Brenau University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,003 — 0% above average — while paying $18,924/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Brenau University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Brenau University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in GA
Ranked #113 of 144 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #113 | Brenau University | 24 | $18,924 | $54,003 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Brenau University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in GA.
Best Programs at Brenau University
The highest-earning program at Brenau University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,300/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Brenau University earns $59,300, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $59,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $35,500 in median debt vs. $35,500 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,924/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,300 | $59,300 | $35,500 |
Similar Colleges in GA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Gainesville, GA
- Student Body
- 1,029 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,924
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,003
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000